How much did you / are you paying for photograhy?

[Matt Adcock]

Quote:

Originally Posted by michelle08 I am paying $1000 for 3 hrs for day of wedding. I honestly don't even know what this includes. I mean I have in in my documents but not here near me. I know I get all the pics on a DVD though. I am just hoping 3 hrs is enough. I love photos and I like to scrapbook, but I am not that into pics and i don't want too many pictures. As of now and that could change, but I am having him forgo the getting ready pics and start w/ ceremony, individual pics after and reception...

if you haven't already... I might seriously suggest having a conversation with a professional photographer about a timeline and outlining the importance of the beginning of the wedding day to you and to that of the photographer hired.... Our minimum is to start shooting 1 hour prior to ceremony... after all, I can't imagine starting my shooting at the actual ceremony start time....

I FIRMLY believe that your photog should be on site with you getting ready for at least 30 mintues before the early bird guests will arrive.... those early birders will be there 30 minutes before the ceremony is suppose to start... FYI....

also, the photog will be shooting you and your girls / family members candidly interacting, and getting amazing stuff prior to the ceremony...put that pressure on the ceremony, ummm, ok, wow.... cant actually imagine that.

Photographers are following me and my bride around for hours prior to our wedding. We have NO bridal party... BUT, we do have moments that we will NEVER remember unless photographed. (our grandmothers (mine is 90) are coming to see us before we walk down the isle.... wow, how many times will you have that hug?.... ) As I'm sure you have already thought about these specific time line concerns, I just wanted to write to make sure you had some specific thoughts in mind as you book your photographer...

1-2 hours prior to ceremony is suggested, 2-5 hours after ceremony is suggested by our studio.

Out of 250 weddings, 2/3rd have been 5+ hrs.


Cheers!
mateo

[rodent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morgan What is it about the hotel photographers that is not as good? Are they not as experienced or do they not put as much time & effort into each wedding? Or is it that you don't have a guarantee they will do good work. I don't know how to find out their names or look at portfolios. I am really torn about what I should do. I feel a great photographer is worth every penny, but I am also trying to be strong about sticking to the budget I set for myself. I have a lot of friends attending who take great amature pictures, including the guy who did our engagement pictures, so I feel like they will capture some good pictures. I know it won't compair to the work you guys do, though.

OK, I'm answering my own question. I saw some samples of pictures taken by the photographer my hotel uses. I was not impressed. They seemed kind of cheesy and definitly staged. Not at all what I want for my wedding pictures.

[Deighton]

Thx 4 all the info and ideas! Y'all definitely answered many questions I have.

but one more thing...has anyone used both the resort photog and an outside photog? My pkg includes 24 pics from the resort photog, but I'm not sure when those are to be taken. Anyone?

[IrieBride08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deighton Thx 4 all the info and ideas! Y'all definitely answered many questions I have. but one more thing...has anyone used both the resort photog and an outside photog? My pkg includes 24 pics from the resort photog, but I'm not sure when those are to be taken. Anyone?

The resort photog will most likely take pictures over a specific period of time and then you will be able to pick the 24 you want out of the selection they have. This is my guess!

[Matt Adcock]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deighton Thx 4 all the info and ideas! Y'all definitely answered many questions I have. but one more thing...has anyone used both the resort photog and an outside photog? My pkg includes 24 pics from the resort photog, but I'm not sure when those are to be taken. Anyone?

We actually do not recommend this, if you hire an outside photographer, it is a better idea to dismiss the resort photographer.

Why? The resort photographer is not on the same team as your outside photographer. They will likely be resentful that they are working side by side and thus stand in the way and cover the wedding without consideration of the other photographer. We have seen this first hand, like standing in the middle of the isle, the entire wedding There are a handful of other circumstances that spell bad times... we end up waiving the white flag when we see these guys...

Just remember to consider this as you move forward.

mateo

[rodent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deighton Thx 4 all the info and ideas! Y'all definitely answered many questions I have. but one more thing...has anyone used both the resort photog and an outside photog? My pkg includes 24 pics from the resort photog, but I'm not sure when those are to be taken. Anyone?

What about having the resort photographer take pictures at another event like the welcome reception? Or do a casual session the day before.

[jthrasher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morgan What about having the resort photographer take pictures at another event like the welcome reception? Or do a casual session the day before.

that might work, but many times, a photographer that you bring along will already be there before the wedding and could easily add a day before session into the package. Sometimes they might add it in at no extra charge since they are already there.

[DreamsTulumBride]

Quote:

Originally Posted by David and Laura Finally a post where I can brag about saving money (see alterations, dress and invitations posts . I am getting a really awesome deal, partially b/c my wedding is off-season in the states, and partially b/c the photographer isn't super well known yet and wants to build his portfolio to include more destination weddings. I am paying a flat fee of $3000 ($1000 for his travel, which I booked, and $2000 for his photog. services). For this fee I am getting: - 3 hours of photography for the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner - All day the day of the wedding (no time limit) - Trash the dress/day after the wedding photos at the ruins (his suggestion) His portfolio is awesome. Check out his website: Jean-Marcus Strole - Photography I think his rates have gone up a bit, but he is still reasonable. He lives in Seattle and will fly anywhere. I will post a review when I get back from the honeymoon in November.

Did you find out if you are able to have pictures done there ? That was my 1st choice of place but they only open at 9 and many many people go there (cruises). There is a long walk to the beach from the entrance. The beach looks wonderful but I would not like to have other people in the pictures with me !!!! Let me know what you do since I will be getting married at Dreams Tulum this December and I still don't know where to TTD !!!! Can you walk down the beach of the resort for me...maybe you (in october)and then me (in decembre)can ttd there?

[leigh miller]

i was planning to try and do a shoot at the ruins the next time im there too. im curious as to if this is possible and would love any info anyone has. i havent started to research it on my own too much yet but will also share anything i find out. thanks! leigh

[TATrisha]

Hmmm... my resort is five minutes from the ruins... and I want a TTD session at the ruins!!! What day did you say you'd be available